Ray Nagin signs on with speakers agency

What does Ray Nagin have in common with CNN talk show host Nancy Grace, former Minnesota governor and pro wrestler Jesse Ventura, baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr., and Chuck D, the founder of rap group Public Enemy?

The Times-Picayune archiveRay Nagin's speech topics include 'New Orleans Revival: Rainbow After the Storm' and 'Revitalizing a City: The Keys to Successful Urban Renewal.'

The ex-mayor is one of more than 100 celebrities, authors, journalists and former politicians represented by Keppler's Speakers, a Washington, D.C., agency that locates paying customers for its clients.

Nagin, whose off-the-cuff commentary was a constant source of shock, anger and amusement during his eight years in office, hinted last week that he might take his show on the road. He appears to have wasted no time.

Another speaker on Keppler's roster with a local connection is retired Army Lt. Gen. Russel Honore, who won praise for his work as commander of the troops who patrolled New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

On its Web site, the firm offers several selling points in its effort to land work for Nagin, including:

His "first-person insight into the effective crisis management needed to lead New Orleans to recovery."

His "expertise on revitalization, including economic development, education, healthcare and green construction."

And the "inspirational story of New Orleans and how it relates to your life, your community and your organization."

Nagin's speech topics are listed as "New Orleans Revival: Rainbow After the Storm," which is described as a "remarkably moving presentation;" "Revitalizing a City: The Keys to Successful Urban Renewal," in which he reveals "the tenacity and innovative thinking needed to transform a city;" and "Building for the Future: Transforming Public Education," where he explains "how everything from charter school development to decentralization of power has dramatically altered New Orleans schools, and what every district in the country can learn from these positive changes."